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Leeds United manager Daniel Farke claimed Manchester City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to "bend the rules" during their Premier League fixture at Etihad Stadium

The visitors made the worst possible beginning with Phil Foden scoring inside the first minute, before Josko Gvardiol doubled the home side's advantage before the half-time break

Second-Half Revival Thwarted

However, the visitors rallied after the break following a adjustment of tactics and formation, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin scoring straight away after the restart

Furthermore with Manchester City clearly struggling to deal with the changes moments before Lukas Nmecha equalized, City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma collapsed to get attention, allowing boss Pep Guardiola to call his team to the sideline and deliver fresh directions in the two minutes play was stopped for

"Everybody understands why he went down," Farke stated

"This isn't the obvious issue. Why he went down it was clear. It is within the rules. It is smart. If I like it? If it's in line with the spirit of sportsmanship? If it ought to be like this I will keep to myself. It is up to the governing bodies to find a resolution"

Manager's Frustration

"I questioned the assistant referee at this point if you wish to take action. Our options are limited"

"Unless we teach our players in football what to do in terms of sportsmanship and fair play and everything and if we simply attempt to exploit regulations and actually do a fake injury in an attempt to do an extra team meeting, it is not what I approve of myself. But if it is within the regulations I can't complain"

Late Deciding Goal

Phil Foden's injury-time decisive goal condemned Leeds United to a sixth defeat in seven Premier League matches to place them 18th in the division, with only last-placed Wolves having scored fewer Premier League goals this season

Tactical Changes

However, Farke, who has been criticised for a absence of boldness particularly around changes, was almost vindicated for a bold choice at the half-time that almost reversed their fortunes

Talking to BBC Match of the Day, Phil Foden, said that his side were only capable to regroup following Pep Guardiola's touchline conference with his players

"During the break we were in control. After halftime they emerged, pressed us a lot more aggressively, they put a pair up top and changed the formation a bit," said Foden

"We genuinely struggled to get hold of the game. We got together on the edge of the pitch and changed a few things and it got better from there. That little break was crucial to make corrections"

Positive Signs for Leeds United

The most recent time Leeds United suffered four consecutive Premier League games was in the 2022-23 season, when their campaign concluded with demotion

However, while Farke stated that "their overriding emotion is frustration", their second-half performance provided enough evidence to suggest they are able of arresting their current form and climbing up the standings

"To show such a performance should provide us plenty of confidence. If we demonstrate such spirit and togetherness we have a excellent chance to earn the results," the manager continued

"We had the belief before the match, throughout the fixture and after the encounter. Otherwise you cannot come back with a showing like that. We have great unity and determination in the dressing room"

Expert Analysis

Commenting on radio analysis, former Celtic attacker Chris Sutton remarked: "Everybody anticipated it to be a comfortable win for Manchester City, but it has been anything but comfortable in this second half"

"Leeds can derive a lot from this performance with the way they have performed in this second period"

"Then came Daniel Farke's changes, who is frequently criticised for not being as proactive as he should be. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was introduced and physically challenged the Manchester City centre-backs"

"It appeared like it might be a huge pivotal moment in Leeds United's campaign, but City found a bit of quality. They got away with one this evening"